Nissan Overhauls its Products

Nissan recently overhauled its products to inject new life into slumping sales in its second-largest market.

The company has delivered 10 new or updated models in 20 months. So far, the automaker has updated the Armada SUV and Kicks and Pathfinder crossovers. In early September, the Japanese automaker will introduce a redesigned Frontier, the midsize pickup’s first major overhaul in 17 years.

However, Nissan delayed the global debut of its second electric model, the Ariya crossover, until the first half of 2022, because of supply chain complications.

Nissan redesigned the Versa, an entry-level subcompact, for the 2020 model year. The model is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine offering 122 horsepower (hp), up from 109 hp. The company expects to freshen the vehicle in the second half of 2023.  

The company redesigned the Sentra in 2020. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 149 hp powers the model. The redesigned model introduces a new independent rear suspension to improve ride, handling and fuel economy. The company plans to freshen the product in early 2023. Nissan reports a performance version of the Sentra with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine could be in the works.

Nissan redesigned the Altima in 2019, making the midsize sedan due for freshening in 2023. The company may offer an electrified variant by 2026.

Plans were to replace the company’s flagship sedan, the Maxima, with an electric vehicle in 2023. But sources now say that plan could now be on hold.

The Nissan Z sports car is receiving a makeover next year, its first redesign since 2009. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 will power the model. The design will feature styling elements of previous-generation Z’s — a long hood, pointy nose and short, sloping rear deck. LED headlamps and a 12.3-inch digital meter display are also part of the redesigned Z, which will debut at the New York auto show this month.

The GT-R sports car could get redesigned in the first half of 2024, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.  Electrification of the GT-R model is unlikely. A lithium-ion battery could weigh down the sports car and affect its performance. Car buyers can expect a 600-hp GT-R Nismo Special Edition to arrive this fall. The new model will have a clear-coated carbon-fiber hood to cut weight and deliver a racy look.

Nissan plans to redesign its only EV, the Leaf, in 2024. The new model will be more like a crossover and built on the CMF-EV platform.

Nissan freshened its fourth-best seller, Kicks, earlier this year with sporty design, a restyled interior and technology upgrades. The U.S. version did not receive Nissan's e-Power hybrid system, but the company plans to add its e-Power technology and all-wheel drive to the model in 2024.

The Rogue now has a more powerful 1.5-liter turbo engine, after getting a redesign in October 2020. The new model offers more cabin space in a similar footprint and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 hp, and an updated suspension and steering. The company has an off-road variant in the works for 2023, and a heavy freshen planned for 2024, with e-Power serial-hybrid technology.

The Murano, a midsize crossover, got a face-lift in 2019. Nissan may delay its scheduled 2023 redesign by up to a year, according to supply chain sources. Eventually it will ride on a revised version of Nissan's D platform with a turbo four-cylinder engine providing power.

The company redesigned its Pathfinder, another midsize crossover, this summer. The Pathfinder keeps its 3.5-liter V-6 engine but adds a ZF-supplied nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers greater torque from a standing start and more-capable towing performance. The redesign includes easier access to the third row and wireless charging. 

Nissan refreshed the Armada in January. They built the large SUV on Nissan’s Patrol platform and added a rugged exterior for off-road use. The refresh includes a new grille, headlights, bumpers and fenders; a redesigned hatch door and updated LED taillights; and a 12.3-inch horizontal display screen on the dash. A 5.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 400 hp powers the 2021 Armada. Nissan has planned a redesign for the second half of 2024.

The Rogue-sized Ariya electric crossover will arrive in the first half of 2022. Nissan built it on new architecture and offers 300 miles of driving range. The exterior has prominent front fenders, rear fender flares, super-slim LED headlights, and a steeply raked C-pillar. The model also will debut a twin electric motor, an AWD system and an automated driving system.

The next-gen Frontier midsize pickup received its first major redesign since 2004. The new model features a 3.8-liter direct-injection V-6 engine that delivers 310 hp and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Expect a freshen in 2025.

Nissan freshened its full-size pickup, the Titan, last year. The 2020 Nissan Titan received new safety features and technology along with an improved powertrain and a tweaked 5.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 400 hp.